Played 18 – Won 15 – Lost 3
Goals for 133 – Goals against 41

Layla, Lena and Lily enjoy soccer fun.
with Scarlett and Pia also having a run.
Everly and Isla make up this Engadine Eagles crew.
Coach Blake teaches them all what to do.
They hope each week that they can score.
But having fun with friends they enjoy even more.
– Pat Dryland

The W7A’s had a phenomenal season. Before the season kicked-off the team had the incredible experience of showcasing their skills at Sydney FC’s state-of-the-art Allianz Stadium. The girls had a ball playing a match at halftime during the Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Big Blue derby. After a strong showing there were whispers of interest from Sydney FC, however,ultimately the squad decided home is where the heart is and signed on the dotted line for the mighty Engadine Eagles.

The season began with high anticipation. The previous year the team had performed strongly so there was a sense of expectation for another exciting season. After much fanfare, the draw was released.The first game of the season had the Eagles take on the talented North Caringbah Redbacks. After losing twice to the Redbacks last year, the girls kicked off the season with a superb 12:5 win. The off-season rumours of the entire playing group working overtime on skills and fitness seemed to be validated and it had paid dividends.

Next up was a record 27:2 win against Gymea United 1. The positive results continued as the in-form Eagles side followed up with wins against Lilli Pilli 1 (9:3), Miranda Magpies (8:5) & Cronulla RSL 2 (7:0). The Eagles were soaring. However the following week saw a surprise loss at home to Cronulla RSL 1 (5:6), then the team would come crashing down to earth in their next fixture with a heavy loss (2:8) to Cronulla Seagulls. The critics piled on, and crisis meetings were held between players and management. Even strict disciplinary action was enforced on players after the losses, including scrubbing of restroom facilities and unauthorised vehicle repairs.

The squad banded together in the face of adversity and got their season back on track with a win (9:3) against the newly promoted Menai Hawks. The Eagles then had the opportunity to avenge their earlier loss to Cronulla RSL 1 and in a magnificent display away from home had a convincing victory (9:1) The Phenoix Eagles had most certainly risen. The team hit a rich vein of form going on an eight-game unbeaten streak, with further victories against North Caringbah Redbacks (7:2), Gymea United 1 (8:2), Lilli Pilli 1 (4:1), Miranda Magpies (6:0), Gymea United 2 (6-0) and Lilli Pilli 2 (5:0).

The girls headed into their clash against the all-conquering Cronulla Seagulls full of confidence. The Eagles were outstanding and pushed the competition heavyweights for the entire match. In the 2^nd half, the Eagles peppered the Seagulls’ goal and were unlucky not to come away with a result. The W7A’s had been gallant in defeat (1:2) and proved they could match it with any opposition. What turned out to be the Eagles final outing the girls had a rousing win against Menai Hawks (5:1). The next week Cronulla RSL 2 disappointedly forfeited the game, and the standard 3:0 forfeit win was recorded for the record books.

Player Profiles

Liliana Brooks – strong season, Lily stopped several attacking raids with her defensive expertise. She also had the ability to provide a telling assist to her teammates. Lily’s pin-point passing is a feature in her game; she even managed to take out the prestigious inaugural chocolate-bar challenge.

Isla Brown – our youngest squad member, as the saying goes ‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog’. A breakout season saw Isla score her first-ever goal to a thunderous ovation. After the fantastic strike, Isla’s confidence grew, and she continued to trouble the opposition defenses.

Pia Cali – the supremely talented superstar had a tremendous season. Her combination of speed and skill is a nightmare for defenders; she even managed to add a coveted step-over to her repertoire. Pia scored a stunning amount of goals and also made some truly breathtaking last-ditch clearances to prevent the team from conceding.

Layla Dryland – a very special talent, a wise head on young shoulders. She has an exceptional gift for reading the game; Layla has boundless energy and never gives up on a ball. She scored many fabulous goals and made some inspirational stops on our goal line; none more prominent than her clutch block in the final game (v Redbacks) at the gala day that even had the opposition fans stand and applaud.

Scarlett Perkovic – Despite her small stature Scarlett does not take a backwards step. An insanely gifted footballer, whose speed and ability to use both feet allow her to create space and score some spectacular goals. A difficult choice is looming for the young prodigy on whether to represent Australia or Croatia on the national stage.

Everly Sankey – leads from the front, her pressing is a key element of her game, she is the first to put pressure on opponents and force turnovers of possession. Everly is a noted goal scorer, whose composure in front of goal saw her find the back of the net frequently. She always has a significant impact on the pitch whether in attack or defense.

Lena Shields – an extraordinarily hard-working player, she produced plenty of sterling performances throughout the season. A crafty midfielder with a good technique that consistently got her name on the score sheet. Lena was not afraid to stop the opposition in their tracks and never conceded defeat.

Winning starts in the front office.  Many thanks to team manager Tahnie Sankey a vital cog in the well-oiled machine, appreciate you doing the work behind the scenes (gala days, training kits, charity games). Vanessa Cali & Stefanie Shields rotated our substitutions and offered tactical advice to our players before entering the pitch. Your patience and support are very much valued. A special mention to the team’s professional photographer Erin Brown she captured some magic moments, which our players and parents will long, be able to treasure. Thank you to all the parents for their unconditional support, the encouraging & friendly atmosphere you created allowed the girls to have confidence in their football development. I also very much appreciate all our parents getting involved in the games & activities at training, the girls thrive on these parent/child competitions. Our parent’s team went extremely close to a win this year too!

It’s been a pleasure coaching the team this season. The girls have the perfect football spirit; giving their best, encouraging one another and having fun.

Coach Blake.